Jonathan Aranda benefits from playing time

HOUSTON – Since Jonathan Aranda was a child playing baseball in Mexico, his parents, Humberto and Jessica, were always there to take him to his games.

All the mileage added to their vehicle from all his practices and games paid off when Aranda signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015. 

Best career moments

Having his parents there when he signed was his second best moment in his career. His major league debut is atop his list of Top 3 moments in baseball so far.

Representing Mexico in the World Baseball Classic in 2023 ranks third on his list.

Jessica and Humberto instilled confidence in the young first baseman. Although baseball is a game where many people count on you to succeed, his parents reminded him to have fun because it’s what he chose to do. 

“Since I was little they would take me to games,” Aranda said. “Then when it was time to sign, those are opportunities that don’t present themselves two times. It was a difficult decision, but I think that was the power to help me give them that joy that I was able to achieve this.”

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However, it was surely difficult to find the joy in the game for Aranda as he struggled finding consistent playing time early in his career with the Rays. The Tijuana, Baja California, native made his debut in June of 2022.

In his first two years of his career, he received fewer than 100 at-bats in each season. Last year he played in only 44 games. Although he had limited play time previously, the Rays trusted his abilities. 

Playing time

They’ve shown their belief in him this season. Jonathan Aranda has started 54 games. Tampa Bay was correct in giving him an opportunity to be an everyday first basemen. He is batting .320, and has surpassed his previous career-highs in home runs and RBIs. 

The 27-year-old lefty is adamant that regular playing time has contributed to his breakout season. By getting more at-bats he can make the needed adjustments.

A key in his adjustment is hitting breaking balls. This season, he is hitting .370 off breaking pitches. He’s hit five doubles and two home runs off the pitch so far. 

“Consistent playing has shown the type of player and hitter he is,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said of Aranda. “He’s played both sides really well, in my opinion. His defense has been tremendous, and his hitting has been above tremendous.”

The 6-foot first baseman played with Team Mexico in 2023. They won the bronze medal after creating international shock after beating the USA in pool play before having Japan on the ropes in the semifinal in Miami.

Aranda felt a lot of pride donning the Mexico jersey. Growing up in Tijuana, he idolized Adrian Gonzalez, who was born in San Diego and raised near the Tijuana and California border. 

A better Team Mexico

“It’s a great honor to be able to represent Mexico and more than anything my city of Tijuana,” Aranda said. “I know a lot of great players have come from the city, but it will be an honor to be from there.”

Jonathan Aranda saw little action in the WBC, but he is expected to take on a greater role next year. Mexico lost in the 2023 WBC semifinal to Japan 6-5 in an epic game.

Aranda is confident Mexico will have a stronger team for next year’s WBC. He says Mexico can exceed expectations once again.  

While he hasn’t gotten the call yet, one thing is for sure, Aranda is benefiting from more playing time in Tampa. 

“I give all the credit to the opportunity to play daily,” Aranda said. “I think that has helped me stay focused, and I think if you play daily you can make the adjustments.”